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Our Tour Experts
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The Carretera Austral
Drive the iconic Carretera Austral, one of the most iconic road trips on Earth.
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![Amy Waters snow biking]()
Our Team
Steppes Travel is made by the people who work here. Incredible holidays are made possible because of their vast travel experience and the great enthusiasm they bring to their work.
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![William Dalrymple]()
Our Tour Experts
We carefully select our experts based on their knowledge, companionship and influence, ensuring that you can travel with the most knowledgeable leaders in the field.
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![Liz Bonnin]()
Heroes and Heroines
The people who lead the way when it comes to those things which matter to us: exploration, the environment, women’s empowerment and education.
Drive the Carretera Austral
Embark on a self-drive adventure in Chile on the iconic Carretera Austral, a remote road that cuts through the stunning mountainous scenery of the Aysen region of northern Patagonia, making detours to see traditional coastal villages, visit iconic cave systems and stay within Patagonia Park.
Key Highlights of this Itinerary
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Patagonian Wildlife
Scout the landscape for huemul deer, Andean condors, guanacos and perhaps an elusive puma.
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Great Outdoors
Try jet boating, trekking, ice hiking, kayaking and rafting amongst a mighty landscape.
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See the Marble Caves
Take a small boat to the hidden caves full of blue and grey coloured stone.
Why we like it
This overland journey through Chilean Patagonia is one of the world’s greatest road trips, travelling on unpaved roads down the Carretera Austral, past tree-shrouded valleys and turquoise glacier-fed streams, and staying in isolated properties. Without another car in sight, and with only the tell-tale sign of dust in the distance to let you know that humanity is still out there, this is an almost-otherworldy journey in one of the most extreme places on the planet.
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Days 1-2
Santiago
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Day 3
Santiago - Balmaceda - Puerto Rio Tranquilo
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Day 4
Puerto Rio Tranquilo
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Day 5
Puerto Rio Tranquilo - Patagonia Park
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Day 6
Patagonia Park
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Day 7
Patagonia Park - Caleta Tortel
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Day 8
Caleta Tortel
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Day 9
Caleta Tortel - Aysen Region
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Day 10
Aysen Region - Balmaceda - Santiago
Days 1-2
Santiago
Santiago is a modern, cosmopolitan capital city with much to keep the discerning traveller occupied.
Day 3
Santiago - Balmaceda - Puerto Rio Tranquilo
Drive the iconic Carretera Austral, the best way to explore this region.
Day 4
Puerto Rio Tranquilo
Take a small boat across General Carrera Lake to reach the marble cave sanctuary.
Day 5
Puerto Rio Tranquilo - Patagonia Park
Day 6
Patagonia Park
Look out for huemul deer, elusive pumas, Andean condors and guanacos.
Day 7
Patagonia Park - Caleta Tortel
Day 8
Caleta Tortel
Spend time in the enchanting coastal village that commonly serves as a springboard for boat trips to turquoise glaciers.
Day 9
Caleta Tortel - Aysen Region
Day 10
Aysen Region - Balmaceda - Santiago
More details
Carretera Austral by 4x4
From the small settlement of Balmaceda in northern Patagonia, hop in a steadfast 4×4 and set off south into the Chilean wilderness characterised by soaring mountains, dazzling lakes and rugged landscapes. The Carretera Austral is mostly unpaved but in a good condition, adding to the exhilarating feel and pioneering spirit of one of the world’s most iconic road trips.
Discover the Marble Caves
Take a small boat across General Carrera Lake to reach the marble cave sanctuary, a picturesque spot where the constant movement of the water has eroded the blue rocks into secret caves and mysterious tunnels.
Explore Patagonia Park
Journey to the remote Patagonia Park and stay in a homely and exclusive lodge that is the only property located within the private 200,0000-acre reserve. A seemingly endless network of hiking trails surrounds the lodge, each of which can be tackled alone or in the company of an expert naturalist guide. With views of flamingo filled lakes, snow-capped mountains and open grassland, head out on mountain bikes while looking out for guanacos, mountain vizcachas, elusive pumas and red foxes.
Walk the Boardwalks of Caleta Tortel
Spend time in the enchanting coastal village that commonly serves as a springboard for boat trips to turquoise glaciers and excursions to find Andean condors and black swans. This magical village, surrounded by islands, fjords, channels and estuaries, is renowned for its typical Chilota stilt homes and wooden boardwalks.
Adventures from Santiago
Santiago is a modern, cosmopolitan capital city with much to keep the discerning traveller occupied from panoramic cable cars to delightful bohemian districts. Further afield, travel to the charming port city of Valparaiso to see its original funiculars and multi-coloured streets, go wine-tasting in the Maipo or Colchagua Valleys or go horseback riding in the foothills of the Andes on little-used mule trails.
Suggestion: Torres del Paine Extension
Those wishing to experience all that Patagonia has to offer might like to extend their trip with a journey to Torres del Paine National Park, Chile’s iconic landscape dominated by three granite towers to spend time hiking, horse-riding and mountain biking across the steppe.
Start planning your trip
A note on price
Prices will vary depending on the time of year you are travelling. Prices do not include international flights. Please ask one of our Travel Experts for an accurate quote. Flights purchased through Steppes Travel departing from the UK are ATOL protected.
This Itinerary
Price
From £2,990 Per person
When to travel
Chile in January
January and February is the peak season in Chile as it is the height of the summer. Weather can be ideal throughout the country, although the Atacama Desert can occasionally experience unusual rainfall at this time.
Chile in February
January and February is the peak season in Chile as it is the height of the summer. Weather can be ideal throughout the country, although the Atacama Desert can occasionally experience unusual rainfall at this time.
Chile in March
Heading into the autumn, this is a shoulder season for most of the country. This can make for a lovely time to visit as peak prices come down and the crowds ease slightly.
Chile in April
April to August is the winter season throughout Chile, bringing in heavy rains. The southern part of the country will begin experiencing snow which can make areas inaccessible.
Chile in May
April to August is the winter season throughout Chile, bringing in heavy rains. The southern part of the country will begin experiencing snow which can make areas inaccessible.
Chile in June
April to August is the winter season throughout Chile, bringing in heavy rains. The southern part of the country will begin experiencing snow which can make areas inaccessible.
Chile in July
April to August is the winter season throughout Chile, bringing in heavy rains. The southern part of the country will begin experiencing snow which can make areas inaccessible.
Chile in August
April to August is the winter season throughout Chile, bringing in heavy rains. The southern part of the country will begin experiencing snow which can make areas inaccessible.
Chile in September
As the snow begins to melt and days get warmer, this can be a delightful time to visit the central valleys and north of the country.
Chile in October
October marks the start of spring in the lake district. Although you can expect rain, the flowers begin to bloom across the stunning landscapes and temperatures begin to rise.
Chile in November
November is a good time to visit, as spring is in full bloom across the country. Just before the peak season begins in December, there are fewer crowds.
Chile in December
December begins the peak season for travel to Chile, with the climate in its prime for visiting most of the popular destinations. We advise that you begin planning well in advance for travel during this time as many hotels can book up.
Holiday Inspiration
Our experts have created and curated these tailor-made holiday ideas to get you started. Take the time to search through them and find something that is the spark for your unique adventure.
Why Choose Steppes?
Our knowledge and expertise set us apart. So too our curiosity. It is this that drives us to create a journey that is really bespoke to you, all the while ensuring we travel and operate sustainably.
Are you ready to discover extraordinary once again?
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